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Hijackers now using 'tap-tap' tactic

Something as seemingly innocent as a bumper bashing may actually be a new hijacking tactic, a security company has warned.

Earlier this month, an ADT security officer on patrol noticed a woman trying to pull a man from her car and went to investigate. Apparently, she had been hit from behind by another car on the corner of Blairgowrie and Conrad drives in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.

One of the men in the car behind jumped into the driver’s seat and the woman tried to pull him out to stop him from taking her car. He fled on foot when Victor Msimanga from ADT approached.

Another three suspects in the car also fled and crashed their vehicle in an attempt to escape.

ADT have warned that this may be a new tactic used by hijackers or thieves to get your car, known as the “tap tap” tactic.

If the aim is to hijack or steal your car, the collision will not be hard enough to cause any real damage, said Clive Humphrey, the managing director of ADT Central Region.

Richard Brussow from the National Hijack Prevention Academy said drivers should be wary of their surroundings and follow steps to prevent this crime.

WHAT TO DO?

If there is no major damage or injury, the driver should put their hand out the window and indicate to the car behind to follow them to a busy public area such as a police or petrol station.

Brussow warned that the academy has noticed this tactic is used more over the holiday season, but is not altogether very common.

Sometimes the car behind may also use a female driver to lull the driver into a false sense of security, he said. They also sometimes use the “tap tap” tactic to just steal goods from inside the car.

Brussow said the driver leaves enough space between the car in front of them so that there is room to drive away if needed.

Brussow also suggested that drivers should not open their windows more than 5cm, make a mental note of police stations while driving and not talk on a cellphone while driving as general rules.